AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific defeated Cal State San Marcos 1-0 on Thursday night, as the two teams were locked in a scoreless battle for 98 minutes before Azusa Pacific junior Maddy Morrison found the back of the net for the game-winning overtime goal in the 99^th minute of action.
 
While Morrison's goal ended the game, there could be a debate for the moment of the match. With just nine seconds left in regulation, and a 0-0 tie, Cal State San Marcos was awarded a penalty kick after Azusa Pacific goalkeeper Jennifer Kovisto had her studs showing on a Cal State San Marcos player in the box.
 
Kovisto had her shot at redemption, and she capitalized on it. Jessica Harloe took the penalty kick for Cal State San Marcos, and Kovisto played it perfectly, as she dove right and blocked the shot to force overtime.
 
"I was able to focus in on simply keeping the ball out of the net," Kovisto said, "it was on me to keep the game going, and thankfully I was able to step up for our team."
 
While penalty kicks tend to favor the offense, Kovisto's teammates were confident that she would deliver. "I knew she was going make that play, she has been solid throughout practice this year, and I was confident because she has been nothing but confident so far this season," Morrison said.
 
For Azusa Pacific head coach Brooke Lincoln, it was her first overtime victory in seven years as a collegiate head coach. "While we did not play well for most of the game, we were able to hang in there and capitalize on a beautiful ball from Emmy (Koflanovich) that Maddy put away to get us the win," Coach Lincoln said, "sometimes, that is all it takes. We will take the win and learn from this game."
 
Despite a relatively quiet offensive night for the Cougars, Azusa Pacific's defense put together a strong performance. Anchored by Kovisto, Brianna Haskins and Christine Messner, who each played all 99 minutes for the Cougars, the defense limited Cal State San Marcos to eight shots and just three on goal. "The backline did a really great job for us tonight, they remained solid and took away any good opportunities for them," Coach Lincoln said.
 
Azusa Pacific is now 2-0 to start the season, and the Cougars now turn their attention towards a Saturday evening home match with UC San Diego. The Cougars and Tritons are scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start at the Cougar Soccer Complex.